Food Law News - UK - 2010


 FSA News Item, 25 March 2010

NOVEL FOODS - Response to House of Lords nanotechnology report published

The Government has today published its response to the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee report into nanotechnologies and food. The Food Standards Agency welcomes the committee's report and its recommendations, many of which are already being taken forward.

Across all manufacturing sectors, nanoscience and nanotechnologies have advanced in recent years and there is a range of innovative products on the market. Developments in the food industry are generally at an early stage but do have the potential to bring about benefits to both consumers and industry.

The Science and Technology Committee’s report, which was published in January 2010, provides a detailed analysis on a range of important issues including research into health and safety implications, regulation and public engagement.

Some recommendations are in areas such as research coordination and public information about nanotechnologies, and are wider than just food. In these cases the recommendations will be implemented by other Government Departments with input from the Agency where this is necessary – for example in research strategy and public engagement.

The Government response to the committee’s report is consistent with the UK nanotechnologies strategy (published on 18 March 2010) and it includes cross-references to actions set out in the strategy, where these are relevant to the Select Committee’s recommendations.

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